The Brutally Honest Loan Officers

In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers Podcast, we sit down with David Custons to talk about what it really means to do real estate the right way. David shares how decades of experience in construction, property management, and home services gave him the foundation to finally step into real estate full-time—when he knew he could truly add value. We dive into the importance of loyalty...

In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers, Derick and Stephen explore what the American Dream really means today — and how homeownership is still one of its most powerful cornerstones. From building equity and gaining tax advantages to creating generational wealth, they break down why owning a home is more than just having a roof over your head.

What makes Derick brutally honest? Stephen gets the unfiltered backstory in this episode of truth, grit, and growth. This week, the spotlight flips as Stephen interviews fellow Brutally Honest Loan Officer, Derick. From humble beginnings to building a mortgage career rooted in transparency and grit, Derick shares the mindset, lessons, and defining moments that shaped his brutally honest approach t...

Hurricane season is officially here—and if you're in the mortgage or real estate world, this one’s a must-listen. In this episode, Stephen and Derick break down what every buyer, homeowner, agent, and loan officer needs to know to keep deals on track during storm season. From insurance binding deadlines to home prep checklists and deal-saving tips, we’re giving you the brutally honest truth about...

There’s a lot of buzz around Governor DeSantis’ push to overhaul property taxes in Florida—but what’s actually happening, and what’s just talk? In this episode, Derick breaks down the headlines and the real impact behind the proposals. From the $1,000 rebate check to a long-term plan to eliminate property taxes for lifelong residents, we unpack what this could mean for homeowners, the housing mark...

Dive headfirst into the real challenges homeowners and buyers face today. From the rising costs of daily living and how small spending habits (hello, Doordash) can derail homeownership dreams, to what it really means to make your mortgage work for you—this one’s packed with brutally honest advice.

In this episode, Brett Boettge shares his journey from weathering the 2008 housing crash in Wisconsin to establishing a successful real estate career in Florida. He emphasizes the significance of data-driven consulting, high-quality marketing, and building lasting client relationships through programs like the "Happiness Guarantee." Brett also offers advice for new agents on commitment, consistenc...

In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers: The Unfiltered Mortgage Minds, Derick and Stephen are joined by Sheri Nedley, COO of The Mortgage Firm, for a no-BS breakdown of what’s really moving the mortgage market right now. From the ripple effects of tariffs and the Fed’s interest rate decisions to the rise of a potential buyer’s market, they tackle the tough questions: Should you buy n...

In this brutally honest conversation, Stephen and Derick sit down with Oscar, a seasoned entrepreneur who made the bold leap from the corporate world into running a pool service and retail business. They unpack the highs and lows of small business ownership—from managing staff and educating clients to the real challenges of leak detection and hardscaping. Whether you're a homeowner thinking of DIY...

Think you need 20% down to buy a home? Think again. In this episode, we’re diving into one of Florida’s best-kept secrets: the return of the Hometown Heroes Program—offering up to $35,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance. We’ll break down the eligibility requirements, credit score tips, and why so many buyers are missing out on this opportunity. We also talk about other DPA programs lik...

In this brutally honest (and highly entertaining) episode, Derick and Stephen dive into the craziest real-life stories of how homebuyers have scraped together money for their down payments. From setting up GoFundMe pages to cashing in on crypto spikes, selling plasma, and even living out of their car—this one is packed with creativity, hustle, and a little bit of madness. Whether you're a first-ti...

The Florida market is heating up—and fast. In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officer Podcast, Derick Brown breaks down what Realtors, buyers, and loan officers need to know right now. From bidding wars to low inventory, it’s game time in the Sunshine State. Learn why affordability is tightening, how to win deals in a competitive market, and what buyers must do before they shop for homes....

In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers, Derick and Stephen break down how international tariffs—yeah, those trade taxes—are impacting mortgage rates in ways most people never consider. From inflation ripple effects to how global negotiations might cool things off, they give you the brutally honest truth about whether this is just a short-term spike or something to watch in the long r...

First-time buyers are freaked out—and honestly, we get it. In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers: The Unfiltered Mortgage Minds, Stephen and Derick break down the top 10 concerns they hear every day from nervous first-time homebuyers—and deliver the truth, straight up. From the 20% down payment myth to “I’ll wait for the market to crash,” we tackle the fears, explain the facts, and...

New construction sounds like a dream—brand new everything, no bidding wars, and builder incentives galore. But beneath that fresh paint and granite countertops are some serious details buyers must understand before signing on the dotted line. In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers Podcast, Stephen and Derick pull back the curtain on buying new construction. From builder lender traps...

🚨 Want to keep your loan officer happy (and your home purchase on track)? Then DON’T make these mistakes! 🚨 In this brutally honest (and hilarious) episode, Derick and Stephen break down the biggest things that drive loan officers insane—from chasing low rates without understanding the real cost to making huge financial moves at the worst possible time. 👉 Why that “too good to be true” interest...

In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers Podcast, Derick and Stephen sit down with Grace Gutierrez, a Realtor with an impressive background. From serving in the Army to working at the Social Security Administration, Grace brings a no-nonsense approach to real estate. She shares her journey into full-time real estate, her fearless attitude towards tough transactions, and even recounts t...

Just because you can afford a certain home doesn’t mean you should buy it. In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers Podcast, we break down the difference between what you qualify for and what’s actually comfortable for your budget and lifestyle. We cover the 28/36 rule, the hidden costs of homeownership, how interest rates impact affordability, and why buying at the top of your budget...

It’s tax season! But are you making the right financial moves to set yourself up for homeownership? In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officer Podcast, Stephen and Derick break down how tax returns impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage—especially if you're self-employed. They’ll cover the do’s and don’ts of income reporting, tax deductions, and how to use your tax refund strategic...

In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers: The Unfiltered Mortgage Minds, Derick and Stephen sit down with James Coyne, a seasoned Public Adjuster who once worked for one of the biggest insurance companies in Florida before switching sides to advocate for homeowners. With 5 years of experience and thousands of claims under his belt, James shares insider tips on how to navigate the compl...

In this episode, we get Brutally Honest with Tere Alvarez, a seasoned residential manager, to dive into the challenges and insights of managing residential properties. From market trends to tenant relations, Tere shares valuable perspectives that every real estate professional needs to hear. Don't miss this one! 🎙️🏡 #BrutallyHonest #RealEstate #PropertyManagement #Podcast

As January 2025 winds down, Derick and Stephen take a deep dive into the key trends shaping the housing and mortgage markets. In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers, they explore: Why mortgage rates are staying near 7% and how that impacts buyers The ongoing home shortage of 4.5 million properties and its effect on prices Slowing home price appreciation in 2025—what buyers and seller...

n this episode of "The Brutally Honest Loan Officers: The Unfiltered Mortgage Minds," hosts Derick and Stephen sit down with his "sister from another mister," Jillian Montague, Director of Business Development at CoreTitle. With over a decade of experience in the title industry, Jillian brings a wealth of knowledge and a personal touch to the conversation. They'll delve into the intricacies of tit...

In this heartfelt episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers, Derick and Stephen sit down with Ricky and Jessica Smith, the inspiring founders of Guardian Angel Inspections. From a family tragedy to creating a business that serves and protects families, the Smiths share their incredible journey. They discuss the importance of home inspections, the hidden risks they uncover, and why their persona...

In this episode of “The Brutally Honest Loan Officers: The Unfiltered Mortgage Minds,” Derick and Stephen sit down with James Hackman, a rising star in real estate who skyrocketed to success after getting licensed in 2021. James shares how his fearless approach to cold calling landed him a $3 million deal and the strategies he uses to stay consistent and motivated in a competitive industry. From b...